Multi-folded Web Material Storage for Wiping Apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wiping apparatuses face limitations in efficiently storing and reusing web material for maintaining fluid applicator health due to limited space in the web storage chamber and the web material's effectiveness being compromised after a few uses, leading to image quality defects and frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

The method involves storing web material in a multi-folded state within the web storage chamber, where the folding density is progressively reduced through choking stages, allowing for efficient compression and extraction of the material, enabling a sufficient amount of web material to be stored in a minimal space and maintaining its effectiveness for extended use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If web material is stored in a conventional state in the web storage chamber, then the storage chamber can be simple in structure, but the amount of web material that can be stored is limited due to space constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of web material storedVSAvoidweb storage chamber volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The web material is folded into a compact multi-folded state where layers are nested within each other, allowing maximum compression of the web material within the limited web storage chamber volume. Each fold creates a nested structure that efficiently utilizes the available storage space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The web material is transformed from a two-dimensional flat state to a three-dimensional multi-folded state by creating folds along both the machine direction and cross direction, effectively utilizing vertical space and increasing the storage capacity of the web storage chamber without expanding its footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If web material is folded densely to maximize storage, then storage capacity increases, but the web material develops creases and folds that compromise its effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of web material storedVSAvoidweb material effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The web material is divided into multiple segments through controlled folding, creating a multi-folded structure with predetermined fold lines. This segmentation allows the web material to be compressed efficiently while maintaining structural integrity and preventing random creasing that would compromise wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The web material is pre-folded into a multi-folded state with controlled fold patterns before storage, preventing the formation of random creases during storage and handling. This preliminary folding action ensures that when the web material is later extracted and used, it maintains its structural integrity and wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If web material is used repeatedly for wiping, then resource utilization improves, but the web material loses effectiveness after a limited number of uses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewiping operation efficiencyVSAvoidweb material effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wiping apparatus is designed to dynamically advance the web material through the multi-folded structure, sequentially exposing fresh segments of the web material to the fluid applicator. This dynamic progression allows multiple wiping operations using different portions of the same web material roll, maximizing resource utilization while maintaining wiping effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-folded web material structure enables continuous wiping operations by maintaining a constant supply of fresh web material segments. As one segment is used, the next segment is automatically positioned for wiping, ensuring uninterrupted and effective wiping action throughout the service event.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3024595B1Store web material in a multi-folded state
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 HEWLETT PACKARD DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LP
  • EP3024595B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3024595B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3024595B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, a wiping apparatus, and a wiping system to store web material in a multi-folded state in a web storage chamber.